Warning, don't poke the Lyon!

September 15, 2020
North Saanich, B.C.

Sterling Lyon came bursting onto the scene in the Spring Camp last season looking to crack the Peninsula Panthers lineup.  The 'Cats' roster was a deep one and it was not going to be an easy chore for the left winger but by the end of the weekend, he left no doubt in the minds of Management that he was in fact an addition they simply had to make.  There was no doubt about that.

"He had a wonderful camp," quipped GM Pete Zubersky.  "He was on the outside looking in but everytime he was out there he showed dynamic speed and that, coupled with his outstanding grit, is a commodity that is hard to find in today's game.  By the time Sunday rolled around it was an easy choice.  He is an awesome team player and I do believe he added a lot of confidence and some muscle over the past year.  I expect he will take a big step this season."

Lyon was running around with abandon early last season and was whistled for a couple minor penalties for checks to the head.  It's obvious that he is an honest player and not a dirty one but with the new rules in place, it put the brakes on his agressiveness.  It also seemed to drain him of confidence and made him a bit uncertain until he was able to figure out what he could and could not do.  Towards the latter half of the season, he once again was the Sterling Lyon of old and played an impactful role on a really solid squad.

Lyon was spoken to about his thoughts on last season and what he is looking forward to this time around:

“We had great success last year and a great dressing room environment. Joining the Panthers was sure a big leap from Minor Hockey and it took me a little while to adapt . The vets from last year were very welcoming and provided great support.  With the addition of quite a number of new guys stepping up from Minor Hockey, I wish to return the favour and to help get the new rookies rolling early.”

 “I found some chemistry early in the season with Thomson-Fiddes (16) and Taylor (23) and they were for the most part my line mates for the majority of the season. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Fiddes is a gritty young play-maker who isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play . And Taylor was another great line mate who had great on-ice vision.”

“Lingard (8), Braun (10) and Wort (8) were hands down the best line in the league.  They play the best hockey I’ve seen at this level. I’ve watched them closely all season and they keep getting better every year.”

“I'm really excited for a new season with the possibility of making another great run for the championship.”

Lyon has been placed on the left side of a line with Owen Cox and Ethan Ewer, both coming in from Minor Hockey.  All three can skate and are physical and if they stay together, will be a nightmare to play against.  The combination was put together by Panthers' Head Coach Brad Tippett and he had some comments on his speedy left winger:

"Sterling worked his way onto the team by simply out-working other players. Having a player with his diversity makes our job easier. We can throw him up and down the lineup and we are comfortable playing him at all three forward positions.  He will likely be a key person in our penalty-killing schemes. Right now he is leading what we call the John Deere line (they have the green jerseys) with Owen Cox and Ethan Ewer. They seem to have found some chemistry with Sterling facilitating open conversation about what they can and should be doing as a unit. They will be a hard line to play against and one we will depend upon in tight situations or when we need a momentum changing shift."

With the 2020/21 season on the horizon it's only a couple more weeks until the Lyon will roar!